Their clothes were out there, just at a time in the early 70s when people were looking for out there, and when punk was just around the corner (Esme and the gang were at the heart of this, and it's the bit of the book that I hoovered up, it brought so many evocative memories of myself in those days and my early attempts to create something a bit out there to wear . I still fear the stay pressed, flat fronted nylon trouser, but admire it as a part of our wonderful textiles heritage and history. I adored the autobiography of Esme Young of The Great British Sewing Bee; it’s surprising, funny, and warm. Her own voice comes over very strongly, and she had a most interesting life: at the forefront of fashion in the 60s and 70s with her Swanky Modes, a tutor at Central St Martins, and then a judge on Sewing Bee. I didn't understand any of the sewing bits but then I love watching Sewing Bee because watching people being creative is really what it's all about.

I love The sewing Bee, and love Esme Young who is a judge on the program, but the book was disappointing. The material is squandered - interesting detail about the times and personalities is given no more weight than the vast amount of family detail. Personally, I think that the true essence of a person is one who has made relationships and continued those relationships for years.She has one of those lives that just seems to natural and brilliant, she met the right people in fun places and is very humble and gorgeous. I read this book in a day because it was exactly what I knew it would be - fun, interesting and hypnotic. The ’90s saw a career move into costumes for films, where she designed outfits for Trainspotting, Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Beach, before she moved onto the small screen herself. I could have taken it easy, and continued to teach at college part time, and make costumes for the rest of the time… but where would be the jeopardy in that. But this generosity has come back to her too, as she gleefully tells of being taken on incredible trips overseas, and huge parties with friends to celebrate significant birthdays.

While he is the dapper, sartorially precise voice of the pairing, she's always had a cheeky glint in her eye, and the occasional allusions to her past career and life made me reach for this book - I listened to her read it herself via Audible. She is not only innovative, courageous and radical, but she's also kind, generous and gives credit where credit is due. While watching the last series of Sewing Bee I said to my parents “I wish Esme would bring a book out, she’s had an amazing life by the sounds of it! To see Esme becoming a TV star in her 70’s and being a mentor and inspiration to sewers is really wonderful . This was interesting, filled with heart and humour, and just also so inspiring reading of Esmes love for what she does and how she was fired up with that passion and self belief from the start.I’d highly recommend if you’re a fan of Sewing Bee and just want to find out more about Esme, it was a really lovely read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm so glad I've delved deeper into Esme's life with this book, it makes the Sewing Bee even more enjoyable.